Delhi Pollution: GRAP IV Measures To Be Imposed Under GRAP III Amid ‘Very Poor’ AQI

A toxic grey haze continued to hold the National Capital Region (NCR) hostage on Saturday morning, as Delhi's air quality remained stubbornly in the 'very poor' category. While the average Air Quality Index (AQI) showed a marginal dip to 359 from Friday's 364, residents woke up to another day of low visibility and hazardous breathing conditions.

In a significant policy shift aimed at combating the persistent smog, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has announced an overhaul of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), effectively fast-tracking stricter restrictions to earlier stages of pollution.

Policy Shift: Stricter Rules, Sooner
In a bid to preemptively manage pollution spikes, the CAQM has revised the GRAP schedule. Measures that were previously reserved for Stage IV (Severe Plus) will now be actionable under Stage III (Severe). This creates a more aggressive protocol for controlling pollution before it spirals out of control.

Under the revised GRAP Stage III guidelines, authorities are now empowered to implement the following:

Work From Home (State Level): NCR State Governments and the GNCTD (Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi) can now decide to limit attendance in public, municipal, and private offices to 50% strength, with the remaining staff working from home.

Central Government Offices: The Central Government may arguably make similar decisions regarding work-from-home protocols for its employees.

The Ground Reality: AQI Breakdown
Despite the revised regulations, the immediate reality for commuters remains grim. The ITO area, a major traffic hub, recorded an AQI of 370. Neighboring regions showed mixed but alarming results, with Noida reporting some of the worst figures in the region.

Health Emergency in Schools
The physical toll of the "toxic winter" has drawn judicial intervention. Following complaints from schoolchildren regarding respiratory issues and overall health deterioration, the Delhi High Court has taken a firm stance.

Court Order: In view of the prevailing air quality conditions, the High Court has ordered the cancellation of all outdoor sports events to protect students' lungs from the hazardous air.

As the city heads deeper into winter, the focus now shifts to how quickly state and central authorities will exercise their new powers under the revised GRAP Stage III to curb the pollution levels.